Mid to late summer often brings a surge of weeds that can quickly overtake your carefully tended garden. Identifying and managing these weeds is crucial to maintaining a healthy and productive garden. Here are some common culprits to watch out for: 1. Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) Crabgrass is an annual weed that thrives in the warm, sunny days of summer. It germinates in spring but becomes more noticeable as it matures in mid to late summer. Its wide, blue-green blades and sprawling growth habit can quickly smother your lawn and garden beds. Hand-pulling before it seeds and applying a pre-emerg ..read more

Gardening in the Midwest presents unique challenges and opportunities. The region's climate, with its hot summers, cold winters, and varying precipitation, requires careful selection and management of plants to ensure a beautiful and thriving perennial garden. Here are some tips to help you create and maintain a perennial garden that will flourish in the Midwest. 1. Choose the Right Perennials Native Plants Opting for native plants can be highly beneficial. They are adapted to the local climate and soil, require less maintenance, and support local wildlife. Some excellent native perennials for ..read more

Roses, with their enchanting beauty and delightful fragrance, have captivated gardeners for centuries. For those in the Midwest, growing these elegant blooms can be particularly rewarding, given the region's unique climate and soil conditions. While the task might seem daunting to some, with a bit of knowledge and careful planning, anyone can nurture a thriving rose garden.  Choosing the Right Roses Climate Considerations: The Midwest experiences a wide range of temperatures, from hot, humid summers to harsh, cold winters. It's crucial to choose rose varieties that can withstand the ..read more

Every year, the first week of May is National Wildflower Week. These vibrant blooms not only add splashes of color to the landscape, but also serve as vital habitats for pollinators and wildlife. If you're a Midwest gardener yearning to bring a touch of untamed beauty to your surroundings, here's your guide to growing wildflowers with ease. Selecting the Right Wildflowers: The Midwest boasts a rich diversity of native wildflowers, each with its unique charm. When choosing wildflowers for your garden, opt for species native to the region, as they are better adapted to the Midwest climate and so ..read more

Many of our gardeners like to casually walk through the greenhouses and fields, looking at the various plants and even stopping to smell a few flowers. However, we know not everyone has time to stroll through our aisles, so for those gardeners, we present the 2024 greenhouse map. This gives you a general idea where to find various annuals, perennials, vegetables and more. Please note that we get deliveries of new stock in each day through our busy season, so plants are moving around a lot! But this should give you a general idea on where to find them ..read more

As spring blooms and the Midwest landscape transforms into a tapestry of vibrant colors, gardeners across the region eagerly prepare their plots for the growing season. However, amidst the excitement of nurturing plants, it's essential to consider eco-friendly practices that minimize environmental impact. Fortunately, there are numerous ways Midwest gardeners can cultivate lush gardens while promoting sustainability. Let's delve into some eco-conscious tips to help you cultivate a greener garden this season. Native Plants: Embrace the natural beauty of the Midwest by incorporating native pla ..read more

Here is the list of the tomato varieties we are growing for the 2024 season. We grow both heirloom and other varieties, and a variety of sizes for snacking, sandwiches, and more. Determinate means the plant has a predetermined genetic quality, and more of a bush habit, great for container gardens. Indeterminate means it continues to grow, set flowers, and fruit until frost.  We also carry tomato cages and plant stakes to support the plants as they grow. 2024 Tomato Varieties Abraham Lincoln Amish Paste Arkansas Traveler Beefmaster Beefsteak Bellatrix Better Boy Better Bush Hybr ..read more

Here is the list of the pepper varieties we are growing for the 2024 season. Please remember that peppers and tomatoes are best planted after the last frost. If you purchase them before the air and ground temperatures have warmed up, take precautionand watch the low temperatures at night. Bring them in your garage, or house, cover them  with empty milk cartons or make a "fort" for them with stakes and a sheet overnight. Be sure to take them back outside and uncover them in the morning. 2024 Varieties Alliance Habanero Primero Red Armageddon Holy Mole Aruba Hungarian Hot Baron (Red Beauty ..read more

If you yearn for a touch of that retro vibe, look no further than the spider plant, a houseplant icon since the sixties. Beyond their nostalgic appeal, these easy-going plants offer beauty, health benefits and are great for both rookie or veteran gardeners. Appearance: Spider plants boast sword-shaped leaves that arch gracefully from the central rosette. The most common variety, Chlorophytum comosum, features vibrant green foliage, while others flaunt stripes of creamy white or gold, adding a touch of whimsy. Tiny plantlets, aptly named "spiderettes," dangle from the mother plant li ..read more

Our houseplant series continues, this week, as we focus on one of the most classic houseplants, pothos. The pothos, also known as devil's ivy, is easy to are for whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting your indoor plant collection, the pothos is a perfect choice. Appearance:  This tropical vine boasts heart-shaped leaves with trailing habits, making it great for a potted indoor plant or in a hanging basket. Care: This plant thrives on neglect! It tolerates a wide range of light conditions, from bright indirect light to low-light corners. It d ..read more